Cleveland Browns player pleads not guilty to drug charges

Published 11:15 am, Wednesday, February 24, 2016

The 25-year-old Bryant and a former teammate, 23-year-old De'Ante Saunders, were arrested after a traffic stop in a Cleveland suburb on Christmas. Police say they found marijuana, two prescription pills and a loaded handgun in Saunders' car.

The team cut Saunders after his arrest. He was a practice squad player. Bryant was suspended for the final two games.

Saunders pleaded not guilty Wednesday to improper handling of a firearm. A driving-under-the-influence charge is pending.

Both men remain free on $2,500 bonds. Their cases were randomly assigned to Judge Dick Ambrose, a former Cleveland Browns linebacker. Ambrose said Wednesday that he will recuse himself.

Bryant's attorney declined to comment. Messages were left with Saunders' attorney.